We just bought a used Bigfoot 25C96B yesterday and the biggest issue we have is the steps -- they are horrible.The main problem is that no matter what we do, most of the steps aren't level.Any suggestions?

Your truck must be at a substantially different height than the previous owner's. The very top attachment bars should be closer to 90 degrees rather than dropping off like that. What happens when you push the bottom of the steps up closer to the camper?Is there a place to attach those steps at the bottom of the basement?

I cannot see how those steps could be so out of alignment from each other unless the supports are different lengths or the holes are drilled imprecisely. Maybe it's time to get out the electric nut driver (I don't want to induce carpal tunnel in your arms by doing it manually) and fully disassemble the stairs. Match up all the supports to make sure the holes align and look at the holes drilled in the steps for inconsistencies. If you see variation, you may be be able to reassemble the stairs with pieces that will counteract each other so they stay level or you may need to order one or two replacement/additional steps.

Super_Dave wrote:Your truck must be at a substantially different height than the previous owner's. The very top attachment bars should be closer to 90 degrees rather than dropping off like that. What happens when you push the bottom of the steps up closer to the camper?yep, set the steps on about a 6-8 inch platform and see how the steps look. might need lowering at the top?bumpy

Bedlam wrote:I cannot see how those steps could be so out of alignment from each other unless the supports are different lengths or the holes are drilled imprecisely. Maybe it's time to get out the electric nut driver (I don't want to induce carpal tunnel in your arms by doing it manually) and fully disassemble the stairs. Match up all the supports to make sure the holes align and look at the holes drilled in the steps for inconsistencies. If you see variation, you may be be able to reassemble the stairs with pieces that will counteract each other so they stay level or you may need to order one or two replacement/additional steps.The scissors are clearly not opened equally. That's why the angles are all different.

It looks to me like the steps are mounted too high on the camper.Her is a picture of mine;

Scissor Step Problem | Good Sam Community

69_Avion
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
I would replace those with Glow Steps from Torklift. With the above mentioned double arms, they will be stronger. I would also add a hand rail.
I used the glow steps and made a handrail for mine.
69_Avion
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
Bedlam wrote:
You're right! All of my horizontal bars are doubled and his are single. I wonder if he can fabricate or buy additional bars along with longer hardware to fix the sag?

The Glow Steps have the double bars, but what also makes them nice is all stainless steel hardware and thin stainless steel washers that keep everything from binding.
I_Fish_2
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
It looks to me like the previous owner done some "adjusting". My 25C has the steps mounted above the basement door, right below the entry door, the same location as the OP's. What appears to be different is the top step has been removed, and, the attachment points look different. Mine has 2 hooks with a binding bolt, and a bar that goes across, joining the 2 sides of the steps. This bar sets in the hooks. I hope that makes sense.
ticki2
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
Looks to me like too many steps for the height you are going .They are hitting the ground before being fully extended .
whizbang
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2013
I have the old style and mine are dead square. No problems.

Something is wrong here.
AnEv942
Nomad
Aug 10, 2013
Wow-never seen anything like that-I didnt know they even could. If a large weight was applied I suppose each bar could bend incrementally-or holes walloed out, odd. Ours 13years dont do that, even a little, they are the single bar. Though recently changed over to the Torklift Glow steps, because we installed thier basment step, they are nice- with 8" treads. So I could reccomend those also. Actually could reccomend our originals but I dont know brand.
It might be possible to fix- stairs arent cheap but I think those are done. Someones gonna get hurt. Top bracket using the long side arms does look wrong.
fuelhauler
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
My Bigfoot was the same way with the 6 steps. I built a 22"x7' deck & hung the steps off of that. I have a fold up step on the deck & a tork lift hand rail which really helps on the stability.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2013
I had a coworker with steps just like those. The bolt holes were too big for the bolts. I advised him to drill the holes out for the next size bolt. I think it was 5/16" diameter bolts, with 5/16" diameter holes. Used self locking nuts. That solved his problem.

Wayne.
SteveRankin
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
Thanks Wayne. That was my thinking. The step assembly is quite loosey-goosey. Re-drilling the holes and replacing the 1/4" bolts with 5/16" bolts should fix it up OK.

Reddog1 wrote:
I had a coworker with steps just like those. The bolt holes were too big for the bolts. I advised him to drill the holes out for the next size bolt. I think it was 5/16" diameter bolts, with 5/16" diameter holes. Used self locking nuts. That solved his problem.

Wayne.

We're planning on doing something like that. The exact dimensions are yet to be determined, but something in the 18-24" range seems ideal. I'd also like to get it below the basement for easier access to the basement.

fuelhauler wrote:
My Bigfoot was the same way with the 6 steps. I built a 22"x7' deck & hung the steps off of that. I have a fold up step on the deck & a tork lift hand rail which really helps on the stability.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2013
If you can drill and use bushings in the holes for the existing bolts it could be cheaper. Maby steel brake or fuel lines? Possibly copper tubing?